We landed in Singapore almost on a whim — fresh off a week in Vietnam and curious about the cleanest “dictatorship” in the world. We’ll admit, our expectations were low: we pictured a sterile city, all rules and no soul, maybe just one giant mall with a hotel on top.
Spoiler: we were completely wrong.
Instead, we found rooftop infinity pools and jungle parks, cool local cocktail bars and Burmese fine dining, colonial hotels with chandeliers the size of cars, and an LGBTQ+ nightlife scene that’s very much alive. We even used a Japanese onsen, explored contemporary and edgy art museums, and even got an Ayurvedic massage in a street that felt like Mumbai.
If you’re wondering what to do in Singapore beyond the obvious tourist checklists (we would skip SkyPark if only you don’t want to visit huge shopping mall there), here’s our personal guide to the best things we ate, drank, saw, and stayed at — from the luxury to the low-key, and the polished to the wonderfully chaotic.
What to Do in Singapore: Our Guide to the Best Hotels, Art Museums, Historical Bars & Hidden Hiking Trails
TOP Modern & Boutique Hotels
ParkRoyal Collection Pickering Singapore
Modern, eco-friendly 5-star hotel in Singapore, very green, and full of photo ops. This place looks like a rainforest and spaceship had a baby. Designed by Singapore-based architecture firm WOHA, the building is famous for its terraced greenery, 15,000 square metres of lush sky gardens, and eco-conscious features like solar cells and rainwater harvesting.
The spa was excellent (solid deep tissue massage), and the breakfast buffet? Wild. Sushi, noodles, fresh fruit, pastries—we basically didn’t need lunch. They also do a seafood buffet on weekends that we almost rolled out of. By the way, here is how to stay in control in front of hotel buffets.
Rooms are spacious, super clean, and surprisingly quiet given the central location at 3 Upper Pickering Street, right on the edge of Chinatown. From here, you can walk to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Clarke Quay, the riverfront, and even Fort Canning Park in under 15 minutes.
The infinity pool has skyline views that are Instagram gold, especially at sunset. It’s not cheap (starts around $300/night), but worth it for a treat-yourself trip—especially if you want to stay in one of Singapore’s most photographed hotels.
Address: 3 Upper Pickering Street, Singapore 058289
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
Brand new and right in the heart of Duxton. You’re surrounded by great food, bars, and vibes. We had a corner room with views across the heritage rooftops of Chinatown. Room design is sleek but warm—lots of wood and plush textures.
It’s also one of the more affordable, easy-going 5-star hotels in Singapore, set in what’s probably one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Duxton Hill is packed with bars pouring craft beers, cosy boutique restaurants, and hidden cafés inside restored shophouses. Everything is walkable, and the area blends heritage charm with a buzzing nightlife scene.
Rooftop pool, gym, bar—it has everything you expect, and they offered early check-in and late check-out (extra fee). Only downside? No open windows. Rates were around $350–400 when we booked.
Address: 16A Duxton Hill, Singapore 089970
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Walking into Raffles Hotel is like getting into a scene from an old good black and white film about colonial past — but with air-con and Wi-Fi. Opened in 1887 and named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, this place is pure old-world glamour.
Right at the entrance, you’re greeted by doormen in crisp white uniforms and turbans, looking like they’ve strolled in from a 19th-century travel diary. It sets the tone immediately: you’re somewhere special.
The whole vibe is part luxury hotel, part living museum — like a little amusement park for fans of history and elegance.
Rooms start at around $1,000 SGD a night and climb fast if you want one of the legendary suites (but hey, you do get your own butler). Whether you stay the night or just pop in for a drink, Raffles is one of those places you have to experience at least once.
Address: 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
Best Bars
Writers Bar
1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673
Located in the legendary Raffles Hotel, the Writers Bar is a nod to the many literary greats who once stayed here—Somerset Maugham, Rudyard Kipling, and Noël Coward, to name a few.
Raffles itself opened in 1887 and has hosted everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Queen Elizabeth II. The bar feels like stepping into that old-world luxury—with soft jazz, leather chairs, and the quiet hush of well-heeled travelers enjoying overpriced (but very tasty) drinks.
Cocktail to try:
- The Raffles 1915 – a refined take on the Singapore Sling, made with Sipsmith gin and champagne.
- They also offer a “writers-inspired” cocktail list themed around authors linked to the hotel.
It’s not a loud bar, and it’s not big. Seating is limited, but you can grab a table outside under the covered veranda if it’s not raining. Expect to pay around SGD 30–35 per cocktail, but hey, it’s Raffles.
Fun fact: The original Singapore Sling was created here at the Long Bar. But we’d argue Writers Bar offers the better drink — and the better story.
Tip: Dress smart-casual and grab one of the few outdoor seats if you can. It’s quiet, classy, and definitely for slow sipping. Expect $25–30 per drink.
Dorothy’s Bar
13A Trengganu St, Singapore 058467
Hidden above a shop in Chinatown, gay Dorothy’s Bar is a cozy, LGBTQ+ friendly spot with loads of character. Walk up a narrow staircase and find yourself in a first-floor lounge with a balcony overlooking the busy street below—perfect for people-watching.
The vibe here is friendly, casual, and cheeky. It’s not a full-on club—it’s more of a neighborhood queer bar with occasional drag shows, great music, and stiff drinks. You have to pay a small deposit to enter, but you get drinks for that.
What to order:
- Whatever’s on happy hour, and ask for their seasonal cocktails.
- Also: they pour strong.
This was one of the biggest surprises of the trip. For a country often seen as conservative, the LGBTQ+ nightlife in Singapore is alive and well—and Dorothy’s is a proud symbol of that.
Good Luck Beerhouse (Haji Lane)
Found in the charming Duxton Hill neighborhood, SG Taps is a no-fuss, local beer bar offering both Singaporean brews and rotating international taps. They have about 10–15 beers on draft, a few natural wines, and small bites (think fries, fried chicken, etc.).
We loved parking ourselves here in the late afternoon and watching the neighborhood come alive—white-collar workers, tourists, and locals mingling on the narrow street.
Must-try: Pink Guava Sour Ale was a surprising hit
Anything from Off Day Beer Company (a cool Singapore microbrewery)
SG Taps – Best Craft Beers
13 Duxton Hill, #01-01
Down the colorful, art-covered alley of Haji Lane, Good Luck is part beer bar, part Asian street food eatery. It’s got that easy-going backpacker vibe mixed with genuinely good local flavor.
The seating is limited but cozy. Expect funky sours, IPAs, and easy-drinking lagers, all sourced from around Southeast Asia.
Why we liked it: Haji Lane itself is worth a wander, especially for boutique shopping or grabbing quirky gifts. In general it is a great spot to start the night or kill time before dinner.
The White Lotus Bar – Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
A nice, cozy spot that feels like a scene straight out of a TV show. The White Lotus Bar at the Four Seasons is all polished marble, soft lighting, and an easy hum of quiet conversation. You can sip champagne, order a platter of fresh oysters, or snack on crisp, golden fries while people-watching (and listening to the latest local Asian gossip and business plans). Inside is cool and elegant, while outside (a bit humid) lets you mingle with the hotel’s well-heeled guests — the kind who look like they just stepped off a yacht. For a moment, you feel like you’re part of their glamorous world, even if it’s just for one drink.
TOP Cafes and Restaurants
Burma Social
34 Tras St
Very tasty Burmese food with modern plating. Loved the tea leaf salad and the lemongrass grilled chicken. Interior has tropical speakeasy vibes—great for a casual dinner or date night.
French Fold Telok Ayer
204 Telok Ayer St
Charming French creperie. We went twice—once for brunch and again for dinner. Both sweet and savoury galettes were spot-on. Try the one with egg, ham, and gruyère. Coffee was also solid. Inside is cozy with warm lighting and art deco touches.
Birds of Paradise Gelato (Craig Rd)
44 Craig Rd
This became our daily dessert stop. Standout flavors include white chrysanthemum, spiced pear, and strawberry basil. The cone is made fresh and has a slightly floral taste. Usually a queue, but it moves fast. $5–7 per scoop.
ICE&TIME
53 Craig Rd, #01-01
Japanese kakigōri-style shaved ice with wild toppings—yuzu syrup, mochi, red bean, matcha jelly. It’s a tiny place with a futuristic feel. Orders can take 10–15 minutes but well worth it on a hot afternoon. Here is their Instagram.
Best Design Shop
If you’re wandering through Singapore’s Chinatown and stumble into its quieter colonial side streets, make time for a stop at Danish Design Co. I popped in thinking I’d just browse, but left with the best travel kit bag I’ve ever owned — a nice green Carl Hansen & Søn piece in leather that’s as durable as it is stylish.
The showroom is a treasure trove for anyone who loves Scandinavian craftsmanship: you’ll find everything from iconic Hans Wegner sofas and solid wood dining tables to smaller luxuries like leather wallets and chic purses. It’s the kind of place where you can test out a Duxiana bed, pick a new outdoor lounge set, and grab a coffee all in one visit. The atmosphere is relaxed and airy, perfect for taking your time and imagining how each piece might look in your home.
Location: 100E Pasir Panjang Road, B&D Building #06-03, Singapore 118521
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday 10am–6pm, Sunday & Public Holidays 12pm–6pm